Sarkees' 'Deposits for Food' provides more funding for area soup kitchens

In late May, Community Missions presented its annual Public Relations Award to Lewiston resident Angelo Sarkees as part of its annual awards brunch. Sarkees was recognized for his "Deposits for Food" program, for which he collects bottles, cans and scrap metal for redemption, then donates the proceeds to area soup kitchens.

At the event, Sarkees arrived with $2,500 in donations to Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry and Community Missions, thanks to his collection efforts and corporate support from Sevenson Environmental Services.

"Mr. Sarkees' donation confirmed to us that we made the right choice in presenting this award to him," said Christian Hoffman, communications and development manager at Community Missions. "His selflessness and dedication to helping his neighbors is inspirational for all of us."

"Deposits for Food" began in August 2013. Since that time, more than $10,000 in donations to Heart, Love and Soul and Community Missions have been distributed.

Sarkees thanked sponsors Modern Corp. and Sevenson Environmental Services, along with the many restaurants, private donors, relatives and friends who have made this initiative successful.